Jackets Required is a blog for hockey fans of all ages and interests -- although it helps if you're interested in the Columbus Blue Jackets. All the writers for Jackets Required play ice hockey, although not very well, and appreciate the finesse, grit and intricacies of the coolest game on Earth. Tape your stick, hop over the boards and have some fun. And if you want to reach us on e-mail, send your thoughts to: jacketsrequired.4@gmail.com

Friday, October 30, 2009

Afternoon Scrum 10/30/09

Hockey headlines for the CBJ and around the league. Sweeter than Halloween candy, and they won't rot your teeth.

The city of Detroit hasn't had much going for it in the past decade and a half. One thing that has been a source of civic pride during that time however has been the Red Wings. Well, that might be changing. In addition to a rough start and losing Franzen to a knee injury early, now C Valtteri Filppula has suffered a broken wrist and will be out a minimum of six weeks. The Free Press has the story here.

Puck Daddy has an interesting story about the NHL and their efforts to maximize their relationships with fans via social networking. You're reading this, so I'm assuming you'll want to read this too, no?

Jackets play the Pens tonight. For some reason the MC Hammer album title "Please Hammer, Don't hurt 'em" pops into my mind. Here is the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's look at the match up.

Speaking of the Penguins, losing Malkin for 2-3 weeksprobably won't mean much in the long run, but it certainly helps the Jackets' chances tonite!

Latest on the Phoenix Coyotes saga. Two groups are preparing to place bids to buy the team. The most recent group is headed by a couple of Canadian business men who currently own the Toronto Argonauts CFL team. Think they plan on keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix long? I am also intrigued by the idea that one potential buyer is floating: keeping the team in Phoenix, but playing some home games in Canada. Perplexing to say the least. THN has the lowdown here.

Rory Boylen over at The Hockey News has a great multi-part look at the life of referees. This particular installment concerns the give-and-take between refs and players during the game. Good stuff. I once told a ref that he was having a bad night and that his most recent call "took the *%&#ing cake". He tossed me, and rightfully so.